Preterm Labour

Symptoms

Preterm labour often starts without obvious symptoms. However, you may notice one or more symptoms, including:

• Menstrual-like cramps, with or without diarrhea.
• A feeling of pressure in your pelvis or lower abdomen.
• A persistent, dull ache in your lower back, pelvic area, lower abdomen, or thighs.
• Changes in your vaginal discharge, which may increase in amount or become pink or reddish.
• Persistent, regular contractions of your uterus, 4 per 20 minutes or 8 every hour.¹ These contractions may make your abdomen feel firm to the touch.
• Not feeling well, including:
  • Unexplained fever.
  • Fatigue.
  • Uterine tenderness.

It is sometimes hard to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and preterm labour contractions.

You may have one or more of these symptoms and not be in preterm labour. However, if you are concerned, notify your doctor or registered midwife.

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Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW Carrie Henley	Last Updated: April 10, 2007
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Gregory A L Davies, MD, FRCSC, FACOG - Maternal-Fetal Medicine William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology
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